Spring Cleaning

[bonzo4ever]

Finally got the chance to do a full detail on the Vibe GT a couple of weeks ago, and thought I'd share what worked for me. 1) Wash with Meguiar's Deep Crystal soap and a microfiber sponge2) Turtle Wax Ice Liquid Clay Bar (not bad for little effort)3) Mother's Back-to-Black trim polish on the plastic and mirrors4) Meguiar's Deep Crystal step 2 polish on the car5) Meguiar's Nxt Generation Tech Wax 2.0 (unbeatable shine)If your Vibe has the gray plastic on the bottom like mine, which tends to get dulled out pretty quickly, the Back-To-Black is unbeatable. I followed it up with an application of Turtle Wax Ice liquid polish, since that's more durable and easier to apply than some other products, so hopefully I won't have to use the Back to Black on it for a while. I know everyone has their own winning combo for making the Vibe look good, but so far this stuff has worked out pretty well. I'd like to take a real clay bar to it one of these days, whenever I remember to buy one. A clean car is a happy car - and a happy driver!

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[abbotlex]

Thanks for the write up. I think I'll try the same.One work on the Back-to-Black. Great product, I agree. However, it often runs in the rain. So make sure it's rubbed in good and maybe the layer of wax will help. Luckily the cladding is on the bottom and doesn't really matter. I say this from using Back-to-Black on pickup tonneau covers. Look great until the first rain and it would leave streaks running down the sides of the truck.

[bonzo4ever]

True on that. I make sure to buff as much of it off as I can with the orbital and a microfiber bonnet before hitting it with protectant or wax.

[Whelan]

Meguiar's #40 Plastic and Vinyl Rubber polish cleaner. That stuff is amazing and smells like new car. One thing with any kind of cladding or plastic work exterior. You need to apply like like a polish, working it into the plastic instead of just wiping it on quick to get a wet look. Once that is done, go over it again with a clean rag to remove excess. Then make sure it dries completely before it gets wet, so be sure not to expect rain.

[zionzr2]

So who wants to come down to Austin and Detail my Vibe.I could have a cold case of the brew of your choice awaiting your completion.

[bonzo4ever]

I got laid off in January, so I've got the time...This offer is tempting to me, since I have a friend who lives down there to put me up for free...

[Mr Magoo]

I've read a whole bunch about the problems with wax on the cladding. Will the liquid ice not cause a problem on the cladding?

[bonzo4ever]

Yes, the Liquid Ice went on and came off with no problems, and most importantly no white residue. I applied it with the included applicator and removed it with my 10" orbital buffer and a microfiber bonnet. Made short work of removing it (once it dried) and made sure I was thorough without blowing out a shoulder.

[Mr Magoo]

Cladding looks great. So, the Mothers Back to Black and the Mequiars #40 are both used on the cladding. Are they basically the same type of product? Has anyone ever done a "shootout" between the 2 to compare?

[bonzo4ever]

When I've used it, I relied on the Mother's to be just a polish. It really helps get rid of some of the fade and grime. Once you clean that off though you'd want to follow with whatever your favorite protectant happens to be.